Assistant Director Kovler Impact Litigation

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Washington College of Law

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

This position coordinates activities of the Impact Litigation Project for the UN and to Strengthen Democracy in the Americas (OAS) and the Kovler Project Against Torture. This position reports to the Director of the Center for Human Rights and works closely with the Director and Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman in preparing the cases, projects and tasks assigned to students, including those enrolled in classes linked to both projects (Kovler Project practicum and Strategic Litigation in International Human Rights Law class).

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Legal, Research, and Related Duties

• Impact Litigation: The Assistant Director is responsible for: screening cases and, in conjunction with the Director and Professor Grossman, selecting cases for the Project to pursue; coordinating legal interventions and court filings under the Project; and developing legal strategies and writing legal briefs and other legal documents;. S/he will also develop training materials and curricula for short courses for international advocates. S/he will coordinate and supervise research fellows and others working on the cases, and play a role in ensuring that students working with the Project comply with their duties. S/he will also provide support to supervising projects related to the Impact Litigation Seminar as needed.

• Legal, Research, and Related Duties

• Kovler Project: The Assistant Director will work closely with Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman to organize and implement all logistics related to the Kovler Project activities in Geneva, Switzerland, including institutional requirements related to insurance, pre-departure, administrative paperwork, access to the UN buildings and sessions, and all activities in Geneva. The Assistant Director will also coordinate and supervise the work of research fellows and students related to the Kovler Project, including ensuring compliance with their respective time and substantive commitments, and work with the students to ensure they have proper documentation and are otherwise prepared for their participation in the Kovler Project in Geneva. The Assistant Director will also develop training materials and curricula for short courses for international advocates in the area of anti-torture and supervise interested students working with the Project; and will also help the Center in organizing certain events related to the Kovler Project, including the annual visit of the Chair of the Committee Against Torture, the annual meeting with Kovler alumni, and other related events with students.

• Fund Raising and New Grant Development: Develop grant-seeking strategies in coordination with the Director and Associate Director of the Center for Human Rights to identify possible sponsors, and design, prepare and submit funding proposals. This requires staying connected to new trends in human rights and humanitarian law and identifies opportunities for collaborations and opportunities for new work with global partners.

• Grant Management: Ensure successful administration of the projects and cases, including meeting any grant-related reporting conditions associated with the projects, managing the financial and budgeting aspects of the projects, and evaluating and supervising any students or staff working on the projects.

Competencies:

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Collaborative Leadership.

• Thinking Broadly.

• Acting Strategically.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Displaying Creativity.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• The incumbent will supervise two to four deans' follows per semester.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full time/35 hours,

• This is a one year position, with the possibility of renewal depending on mutual agreement and available funding.

• Project Leader/Advisor B.

• Exempt.

Travel Required:

• Travel to Geneva once a year with group and some travel to NYC to visit UN.

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor or equivalent.

• 1-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• J.D. or LL.M. with some specialization in international law and/or human rights .

• 2-4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• At least one year of related advocacy and management experience.

• Incumbent must be able to work with diverse constituencies and to handle multiple tasks.

• Excellent leadership skills.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, writing, planning, and organizational skills are necessary.

• Knowledge of common office computer applications and web-based applications required. Basic budget monitoring skills required.

• The position requires thorough knowledge of program policies, human rights advocacy and international law and procedures, especially in the area of anti torture and strategic litigation.

• Fluency in English (required) and Spanish (preferred).

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.